I left Wellington on the Interislander Ferry headed to Nelson, where I would be working on my first farm for Judith, Leslie, and Maia. The ferry ride across was unbelievably stunning, and I spent the majority of the journey reading my book, sipping tea, and watching the turquoise water from the sun deck.
Marlborough sounds about a half hour before we docked
the view from the treehouse (yes, an actual treehouse) that I lived in
Judith's little farm
their sheep that I would later protect from an escaped misbehaved puppy
the plum trees I picked clean and later made into jam
the chook house
the beginnings of jam making
after work everyday I would take this little kayak out into the river
This is the beginning of a homemade submarine I came upon while kayaking. About twenty years ago, an aging hippie planted a shack on the island and spent his remaining days building this submarine.
Judith (Mummy), Leslie (Mom), Maia and their collection of pets and farm animals formed an unconventional family. Mummy and Mom are psychologists, Mummy a Kiwi, Mom an American, and the incredible eleven year old guitar playing, zouchini cake making Maia is a product of Mom and an American sperm donor who she now has a close relationship with. Judith would tell me tear inciting stories about some of her former patients while we fed sheep and bailed hay, and Maia often let me be a taste tester for her various baking experiments. Their little family was so warm and loving and welcoming, and their home so peaceful and beautiful. I could not have asked for a better beginning to my journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment